bx I'Tf. Y/ri -1 c ;rii \i l r fv. ~~— l •
1
H
BT JOHN B. BRATTON.
IQL. 40.
President’s Message.
Felldw-CUipcna. q£ ih&.JSenaie t and ojf. ihe
House q/ 1 Representatives
The intcrost'wllh which the people of the
Republic anticipate the assembling of Con
gress* and the fulfillment, on that occasion,
of theduty imposed ; upon.a new President,
is one of the best evidences 1 of the capaci
ty to realize-the hopes of tho .founders of a
political system, at once complex and sym
mctrical^,. the, different branches of
the government’arc, to a certain extent, in.-
tiopendent of each .other, the dutics of 'all,
taliko, have'direct reference'to tho source'of
bower.' 1 Fortunately, under this system, no 1 !
man is so high, and none so humble, in thoj
scale 'of public station, 'as • to escape fromi
Iho'scrutiny,*or C 6 be* exempt' froratlio
responsibility, - Which all official functions'
implytl ; t '
, Upon the justice and intelligence of. the
masses, in a government thus organized, Is
the sole reliance of the confederacy, and tho
bnly, security for honest and earnest devo
tion to its interests against the usurpations
and encroachments of power on tho ono
bahd, and tho assaults of personal ambition
on the - other.
Tho interest, of*whicli I have spoken, is
inseparable from ftn inquiring, self-govern
ing'Community, but stimulated, doubtless,
it the present timo, by the unsettled condi
tion of our relations with several foreign
powers; by tho now obligations resulting
from extension of the field of en
terprise ; by the spirit with .'which that field
has been entered, a,nd the amazing energy
with which its' resources', tori mooting tho
demands of humanity have been develop
ed.-
Although desolsd, assorting at one time
the Characteristics of a wide-spread and
devastating pestilence, has loft its sad tra
fios upon some portions df our country, we
lave still tho most abundant cause for rev
erent thankfulness to Gotl for ap* accumu
lation of signal mercies showered upon us
as a nation. It Is well that/a conscious
ness of rapid advancement and increasing
strength bo habitually associated with an
abiding sense of dependence upon Him who
holds in his hands tho destiny of men and
of nations.
Recognizing tho wisdom of tho broad
principles of absolute religions toleration
proclaimed in our fundamental law, and re
joicing in tlio benign influence which it had
exerted upon our social and political con
dition. I should shrink from a clour duty,
did 1 fail to express my deepest conviction ;
that wo con place no secure reliance upon
any apparent progress, if it bo not sustained
by national integrity, resting upon tbo
groat truths affirmed and illustrated by di
vine revelation. In the midst of our sor
row for tho afflicted and suffering, it has
been consoling to sec how promptly disas
ter made true neighbors of districts and
cities separated widely from each other,
and cheering to watch the strength of that
common bond of brotherhood, which unites
all hearts, In all parts of this Union, when
danger threatens from abroad, or calamity
Impends over us qt homo.
Our diplqmatlc relations with foreign
powers have undergone no essential change
since the adjournment of, the Inst Congress.
With some of them, questions of a disturb
ing character are still! ponding, but thoro
ere good reasons to boliovo that those may
all bo amicably adjusted.
For some years past, Grcnt.Britain has so
construed the flrpt article ol the convention 1
of the 20lh of April,.lBlB, in regard to (ho
fisborios of tbo ’norfh-oastern coast, as to 1
exclude our citizens from some of the Ash
ing grounds, to which they freely resorted
for nearly a quarter of a century subsequent (
to tbo date of that treaty. The United
States hivo never acquiesced in this con- 1
struction, but have always claimed for their!
fishermen all the rights which they had so 1
long enjoyed without molestation. With a 1
view to remove all difficulties on the subject,
to extend (ho rights of our fishermen be
yond tbo limits fixed by the convention of
1818, and to regulate trade between the
United States and the British North Amer
ican Provinces, a negotiation baa been
opened, with a fair prospect of a favorable
result. To protect our fishermen in the
enjoyment of tlioir rights, and prevent col
lision between them and British fishermen,
I doomed it expedient to station a navng
force in that quarter during tho flshinl
season.
Embarrassing qncstions have also arisen
between tho two governments in regard lo
Tontral America. Groat Britain has pro
posed to settle them by an amicable ar
rangement, and our minister at London is
instructed to ontcrinto negotiations oq that
sulject, . .
A commission fur adjusting tho claims of i
our citizen? against Groat Britain, and (hose !
of British subjjcts against tho United,
Stages, organized under tho convention of.
tho fßli of February last, |s no\y silting in!
London fur tho franaacUoiiof busiuus?.
Jt Js Jn many.respects desirable that the:
boundary lino Uotvvcon tho United States
and (ho British provinces in the north-west, |
as designated in the convention qf tho 151 li'
of June, 1840, and especially that part'
which separates the Territory of Washing-*
ton fropi tho British posspsions on the north, 1
should bo traced and marked. Ithorforo 1
present tho subject to your notice* I
lyith Franco our relations continue on
tho most friendly footing, Tho extensive
commerce between tho United States and
that country might, it is conceived, bo re
leased from sopio unnecessary restrictions,
to tho mutual advantage pf both parties.—
With a view to this object, sbipo progres?
has been made in negotiating a treaty of
commerce and navigation.
Independently of our valuable trade witli
Spain, wo have important political relations
with her, growing out of our neighborhood
to tho Islands of Cuba, and Porto lllco.—
1 am happy to announce, that since tbo last
Congress no attempts have boon made by
unauthorized expeditions within tho United
States, against either of thosb colonies.—
Should any movement bo manllbstod within
our limits,-all tho moans at my command
will bo vigorously oxorttd to repress It,—
Several annoying occurrences have taken
place at Havana, or Jn th#. vicinity of tho
Istqmd of Cuba, between our citizen? and
tho Spanish'authorities.' • ' ’
Considering tho proximity of that Island
to our shore*—lying, as 4t does,- In tho
traph of tf?fio botwoon ?omo of our princi
pal cities—and tho suspicious vigilance
with which foreign intercourse, particularly
that with tho United States, is thoro guard
ed, a repetition of such occurrences may
well bo apprehended. As no. dlpJoipi>t|.o
intercourse Is allowed Jwhvo.cn our consul
at Havanna and.th.d Captain General of
Ouba, ready.explanations cannot'bo niado,
or prompt 1 redress atlbrdod, whero Injury
has resulted* ' All complaint do the part of
pur oUtapnq, umlor.tho proppnt prrungeipont,
must bo, in tUo .first place, presented to this
goyernmont, anil then referred to Spain.—
frmln again refers It to her local authorities
fhvMtlptipn, ftpd ppfttppgpf
fths\jv6r fm,?np pas hoard from uuthor
lljpa.'* jd avbld' ffioso Irritating and vexa
tious delays, dproposltlon Ims been made
to prorido for a dircot appeal for rpdress to
tho Captain General by onr consul, In bo- upper branches. Onr minister to that
half of our injured fcllow-citizons. Hlth- country is instructed to obtain a relaxation
erto the government of Spain has declined of that policy, and to. use his efforts to in
to enter into any' such arrangement. This dneo tho Brazilian government to open to
course onher part is deeply regretted; for common use, under: proper safeguards, this
without somo arrangement of this kind,- tho groat natural highway for international
good understanding between tho two court- trade. Several of tho South American
trios may b 6 exposed to occasional Intcmip- States ore deeply interested in this attempt
tlon. Our minister at Madrid-Is. instructed, to tho free navigatiort:of,the-Ama
to renow' tho proposition,"and to press it* son* and ib is reasonable to oxpect their co
,again upon, tho ponsidcrationof her Catho- operation in the measure.
.lie Miijesty’s Government., ;i As the advantages of free comn^rcialin-
aoveral years Spain has been calling tcrcourso among nations aro better, under
lie attention, of,this Government to d claims stood,, more liberal views aro generally
for losses by some of her sulyects, in tho entertained os to tho common rights of all
case' of'tho schooner. “ This to tho free uao ,of those means which natjuro
I claim is believed to rest on the obligations has provided for international comtminica
j imposed by onr existing treaty with that; tlon. ' To theflo more liberal and onllghtoa
country. ‘lts justice was admitted, in our cd viewa, it is hoped that, Brazil will con*
diplomatic-corrcspondenco with tho ! Span- -form her policy, and remove nil unnecessary
Ish. Government, as early as 1847; restrictions upon tho ftco use of a river
and opo of my predecessors, in -his annual which, traverses so many States, and so
message-of that year,* recommended that largo a part of the continent. lam happy
provision should bo made for; its payment, to inform you that- the republic of Paraguay
In January,; last it was again submitted to and tho Argentine confederation have yield*
Congress by the Executive.. It lias rocoiv- cd ; to tho liberal policy still resisted by
cd a favorable consideration by committees Brazil,- in regard to the navigable-rivers
|of both .branches, bat as yet there has been within their respective territories. Troa
no final action upon it. I copcolvo.that tics, embracing this subject among others,
good faith requires Its prompt' adjustment, liavo been negotiated with these govem
and I present it to your dnrly arid fliyorablo raents, which will bo submitted to tho Sen
consldcration. ■ "fate at the present session.'
Marlin Koszta, a Hungarian by birth,’ “ A new branch of commerce, Important to
carao to this country in 1850, and declared tho < #gr!cnUurnl interest of tho United
his intention, in duo form of law to become States, lias, within a few years past, been
a citizen of tho United States. After re- j opened with Peru. Notwithstanding tho
maining hero nearly two years, ho visited inexhaustible doposites of guano upon tho
Turkey. IVhilo at ho was forcibly islands of that country, considerable diffi
aoizeci, taken on board an Austrian brig of aro experienced in obtaining tho
war, then lying in the harbor of that place, supply. Measures havo been ta
and there confined in irons, with tho avow- ken to removo these difficulties, and to se
ed design to tako him into tho dominions cure a more abundant importation of the
of Austria. Our consul Smyrna and article. Unfortunately, .there baa been a
legation at Constantinople interposed for serious collision between onr oitizens, who
his release, but their efforts were ineffec- have resorted to tho Chlnclm islands for it,
tunl. 'VVliilo thus imprisoned, Commander and tho Peruvian authorities stationed there.
Ingraham, with tho United States ship of Redress for the outrages, committed by tho
war St. Louis, arrived at Smyrna, and, af- latter, was promptly demanded by out min
tor Inquiring into tho circumstances of tho istor at Lima. This subject is now under
case, came to the conclusion that Koszta consideration, and there is reason to believe
I was entitled to the protection ot this Gov- that Peru is disposed to offer adequate
eminent, and took energetic ami prompt, indemnity to tho aggrieved parties,
measures for bis release. Under on nr- ( We are thus not oniy at peace with all
rangemcnl between the agents of tho Uni- foreign countries, but in regard to political
ted States and of Austria, ho was transfer- affairs aro exempt from any cause of serious
I red to the custody of tho I ranch consul- disquietude in our domestic relations,
general at Smyrna, there to remain until The controversies which have agitated
fiffr * ho disposed of by the mutual the country heretofore aro passing away
agreemnnt of the consuls of the respective with the causes which produced them, and
governments at that place. Pursuant to the passions which they had awakened j or,
n«ii«« r H any trQCO ofU,era rcT ™ ina * “ b 0
n m, J wq> to the United States. reasonably hoped that it will only be per
| The Eropemf of Austria has made the colved in the zealous rivalry of all good
conduct of our ofheers who took part In citizens to testify their respect fovthcrhrhts
this transaction a subject of grave com- 0 f tho Stales, their devotion to tho Union
plaint. Regarding Koszta as still his sub- and their common determination that each
ject, and claiming a rigid to seize him with- ono of tho States, its institutions, Us welfare
in the limits of the Turkish Empire, he has and its domestic peace shall be held alike
i demanded of this government its consent secure under the sacred ,vgls of the constl
to the surrender of tho prisoner, a disavow- lutiori.
-al of tlic acts of its agents, and satisfaction This new league of amity and of mutual
for the alleged outrage. After a careful confidence and support, into which tho
consideration of tho case, I came to tho people of tho republic have entered, happl
concluslon that Koszta was seized without |y affords inducement and opportunity for
, legal authority at Smyrna; that ho was the adoption of a more Comprebonsjvo and
wrongfully detained on board of tho Aus- unembarassed line of policy and action, rts
trian brig of war; that, ,at tho time of his to tho great material interests of tho coun
seiznro, ho was clothed with tho nationality try, whether regarded in themselves or in
of tho United States; and that the acta of connection with tho powers of tjio civilized
our officers, under tho circumstances of tho >vorld.
case, were‘'justifiable, and their, conduct ,Tho United Slates have continued gradu
lias been fully approved by roo, and a com- ally and steadily to expand, through acqul
plianco with tho several demands of tho sitlons of territory, which, how much soev-
Emperor of Austria has been declined. er some of thorn may liavo.bceh questioned,
I For a more full account of tills transaC- arc now universally scon and admitted to
tion and my views in regard to it, I refer to have boon wise in policy, just in character,
the correspondence between tho charge and, with It, of tne human race, In freedom,
d’affaires of Austria and tho Secretary of in prosperity and in happiness. The tblr-
State, which is herewith transmitted. Thu teen States have grown to be thirty-one,
principles and policy therein maintained on with relations reaching to Europe on the
the part of tho United States, will, when- one side, and on tho other to Urn distant
ever a proper occasion occurs, bo applied realms of Asia.
and enforced. I am deeply sensible of tho immense ro
-1 Tho condition of China, at this time, ren- sponslbility which tho present magnitude of
1 dors it probable that some important chan- the republic, and tho diversity and multi
-1 gea will occur In that vast empire, which plicity of Us interests, devolves upon me;
, will load to a more unrestricted intercourse (ho alleviation of which, so far ns relates to
with It. The commissioner to that country, tho Immediate conduct of tho public busi
wbo has been recently appointed, is instruo- ness la, first In my reliance on the wisdom
! led to avail himself of all occasions to open and patriotism of tho two Houses of Con
j and extend our commercial relations, not gross ; and socondlydn the directions atlbr
only with tho empire of China, but with ded mo by the principles of the public poll
• other Asiatic nations. ty, affirmed by our fathers of tho epoch of
] In 1862, ad expedition was sent to Japan, 1708, sanctioned by long experience, and
under the command of Commodore Perry, consecrated anew by the overwhelming voice
for the purpose of opening commercial in- of tho people of tho United States.
tercourSo with that island. Intelligence Recurring to those principles, which con
lias been received of his arrival thofd, and siUuto the organic basis of union, wo per
'of his having made known to tho Emperor colro that, vast as arc (be functions and tha
of Japan tho object of his visit ; but it is duties of the federal government, vested in,
i not yet ascertained bow fur tho Emperor or entrusted (o, Its throe great departments,
will bo disposed to abandon his restrictive tbo legislative, executive, and judicial, yet
pulley, and open that populous country tho. substantive power, tbo popular force,
to a commercial intercourse with tho Uni- and tho largo capaditicd for social and nta
[ ted States. tcrial development, exist in tho respective
I It has boon my earnest desire to main- States, which, all being of themselves well
tain fHondly Intercourse with tho govern- constituted republics, as they proceeded, so
meats upon this continent, and to aid them they alopo are capable of maintaining and
in preserving good understanding among perpetuating tho American Union,
themselves. With Mexico, a dispute has Tho Federal Government has its appro
arisen as to tho true boundary lino between priato lino of action In tbo specific and 11m- 1
our.lcrrltory of Now Mexico and tho Moxi- Hod powers conferred on it by tbo Consti
can State of Chihuahua. A former com- tutlon, chielly as to tboso things in which >
missioncr of tho United Status, employed tho States have a common interest in tlioir <
In running that lino pursuant to tho treaty relations to one another, and to foreign i
of Guadalupe Hidalgo, made a serious ml - governments; while the great mass of inter- 1
take in determining tho initial point in tho estp which belong to cultivated men, the
Rio Grande; but, inasmuch ns bis decision ordinary business of life, tho springs of la
wns clearly a departure from tho directions duatry, all tho diversified personal and do
lor tracing tho boundary contained in that ■ mestlo affairs of society, rest seduroly upon
treaty, ana was not concurred in by the the general reserved powers of tho people
surveyor appointed on tho part of tho Uni- of tho several States. Thoro is tho effec
ted States, whoso concqrronco was noccs- tivo democracy of tho nation, and thoro tho
sary tp give validity to that decision, this vitaf essence of its being and its greatness,
government Is not concluded (hereby; but Of the practical consequences which flow
that of Mexico takes a different view of tho from tho nature of tho Federal Government,
subject. tho primary ono is the duty of administering
Thoro are also other questions of consld- with Integrity and fidelity the high trust ro
orablo magnitude ponding between tho two posed in' U by tbo constitution, especially in
republics. Our minister in Mexico hos the application of tho public funds, as drawn,
ample Instructions to adjust thorn. Nogo- j,y taxation from the people, aid appropiin-
Gallons havu boon opened, but sufficient tod to specific objects by Congress. Happily
progress has not boon made therein to ona- X ho.vo no occasion to suggest any radical
bio ino to speak of tho probablo result. qhnngQß in the financial policy of tbo gov-
Improssod with tho importance of main- crnm o n t. ’ 1 '
tabling nmicnbla relations with that ropiib- Quro i's almost, if not absolutely, tbo soli
lie, and of yielding with liberality to all her j n -y of Christendom, having a surplus
just claims, It Is reasonable to oxpcct that rOTCn uA drawn immediately from Imposts
an arrangement mutually satisfactory to Qn oomm orco, and therefore measured by tho
both coi'mtrlos may bo concluded, ana a spontaneous enterprise and national pros
lasting friendship between them confirmed p 0 f h»o country, with such Indirect ro
und perpetuated. . , ~B lat|on to agriculture, manufactures and the
Congress baying proyldoil for n full mis- 1)ro j uot , 0 f t | lo onrth ami son, as to ulolalo
oion to tbo States of Control America, n £o constitutional lioolrlu, amlyot vigorously
minister was sent tblthor In Ja y last. As 010 tllo g(morq , wolf „ ro . 'neither a. to.
yet ho has hail time lo vis t only ono of [| lo , ouroM q ß r tbo pebllo troesuro, nor as to
reedvodYn'tiio o morSmW mwner."it lb ° “W"“ r ° f k »1P ln * nlu »""‘"•H 1 "* “ j' 008
lo imped that bla pro.onco and good oITIoob “»? ooplrojwsy now proyol), there
.will Imvo a benign olfeot In composing tbo I* lho
dissensions which prevail among thorn, end °^ b 0 present system.
Jn establishing still more intimate imd ills report of tbo Scorotory of lj)0 Troas :
friendly relations between tlmm rospootivo,- ur^,; ! v i u . tbB stain of t|(o
iy, and botwoon oach of thorn and tbo Uni- pnbbc finaucci!, and tjio condition of tbo ya
tod Stales. flogs brnnolms of lho public ssryloo nclipln-
Cansidorlng tho vast regions of this con- islorod by that department of lb? Clovcrn-
Unont and tho number .'.of States which moot. <
would bo made occosslblo by tho freo novl- .’f I Go revenue of thp oouptry, loviqd nlmpst
gallon of the river Amazdn, particular at- Insensibly lo tho tax-payers, goes on from
toutlon has boon given to tills subject.— year lo year Increasing beyond either the
Brazil, through whoso territories It passes interest or the prospective wants of tho Qbv
jptq the ocean, has hltjioato persisted in a ernmoqt,
polfcy so restrictive, in regard to tho uso of At tho close of the fiscal yoar ending June,
ijila river, as to obstruct,,and nearly, ox- 1862* tboro remainedln tho trohsury a bal
clndp, foreign commercial Intercourse with anoo of $14,608,100, (The publio rovonuo
the Slates which Bo upqn its tributaries ana, for tbo fiscal year coding Juno 00, 1868,
outi oonfatf— t Always de monTok rtaorrd, otm country.”
CARLISLE, PA., THURSDAY DECEMBER 15, 1853.
! amounted to $58,081*666 from oWcuris, and
to $2,400,708 from public lands and other |
miscellaneous .sources,, amounting together!
to $61,837,074i~wb!1e tho public .bxpcndl-1
tures for tho same period} exclusive of pay
ments on: account of;thK. public, debt, om- |
canted to $48,654,262; .leaving abolanco of,
$04,425,447 of receipts fthovb expenditures. l
’ This fact, of inoroofilng surplus in the j
treasury,- became- the ■ subject of, anxious J
consideration at a very, parly period of my
administration, and the path a( duly' in re- ,
gnrd to it seemed - to roo obvious and clear, !
namely: first; to apply tfid surplus revenue j
to the discharge of*the- public debt, so far (
as it could judiciously bo. done, and second- ,
ly; to devise means for tbogradual reduction 1
of. the revemie to the standard of the public I
exigencies, \
Of these objects (he first has heed in tho
course of accomplishment* in a’manner and
to a degree highly satisfactory. The amount j
of the public debt, of ollela.ises, waa,.on the
4th March, 1863, $90,190*037 r payments on j
account of which have been mode, since thati
period, to tho amount of $12,708,329, leav-J
tag unpaid, and lei the continuous Course of I
liquidation, the snm of $66,486,708. j
These payments, although made at tl»o (
market price of the respective' classes Cfj
stocks, have been effected readily, and to the j
gi ncrol advantage of tho treasury, and have
nt tho same time proved of signal utility in
tho relief they hqve incidentally afforded to
the money market and to the industrial and
commercial pursuits of tho country.
Tho second .of.the above-mentioned ob
jects, that of the redaction of tho tariff, is
of .great importance, ond the plan suggested
by tho Secretory of .the Treasury, which is
to reduce the duties on certain articles, and
to odd to 1 , tho free list many Articles now
taxed, and especially each as enter Into man
ufactures, and are not largely, oral all, pro
duced In the country, is commanded to your
candid and careful consideration. ■
You will find la the report of the Secre
tary of tho Treasury, also; abundant proof
of tho entire adequacy of the present fiscal
system to meet all the requirements of the
public service, and that, while'properly ad
ministered, it operates lo; the advantage of
tho community in ordinary business rela
tions.
I respectfully ask your attention to sundry
suggestions of improvements in. the settle
moot of accounts, especially ns regards tbo
large sums of outstanding arrears.due to the
government, ond of other reforms in the ad
ministrative action of bid department, which
are indicated by the Secretary-;' os also to
the progress made In tbo r construction of
marine hospitals, custom-houses, and of a
new mint in California and assay office in (he
city of New York, heretofore provided for by
Congress ; and also to tbo eminently success
tul pi ogress of the Coast Survey; and of
the Light house board.
Among the objects meriting your attention
will bo important recommendations from-thc
Secretaries of War and Navy. ■ 1 am fully
satisfied that the navy of tho United Stales
is not in a condition of strength and efficien
cy commensurate with the'magnitude of our
commercial and other interests; and com
mend to your especial attention tho sag*
gestions tm Ibis.subject made by the Secre
tory of luo Navy, ' ‘vi." -• ■
'' .'lrospooLfullysubmU that tCls>irtay,,-which,
under odr ayptom, muetnlwayif-bo regarded
with the highest Interest, ns a nuolcas around
which the volunteer forces of tho nation'
gather In the hour of danger, requires -aug
mentation, or modification; to adapt it to the
present extended limits and frontier relatione
of the country, and tho condition of tho
Indian tribes In the interior of tbc continent.
the necessity of which will appear in tlie
comrannicatit :is of the Secretaries of War
and tho Interior.
Id the administration of Post Office De
partment, for the fiscal year ending J nno 80,
1803, the gross expenditure was $7,082,700;
and the gross receipts, du.ing the same pe
riod, $0,042,784 ; showing that the current
revenue failed to meet the current expense,
of tbo department by the sum of $2,042,82.
Tbo causes which, under the present posta,
system aod laws, led inevitably to this rcgult
, arc fully explained by the report of the Posts
master General; one great cause being the
enormous rates the department has been
compelled to pay for mull service rendered
by railroad companies.
The exhibit in the report of (ho Postmast
er General of tbo income and expenditures
by maU steamers will bo fouud pecull vrly
interesting, and of a character to demand
tbo immediate notion of Congress.
Numerous and flagrant frauds upon the
Pension Bureau have been brought to light
within the Inst year, and, iu some instances,
merited punishments inflicted j but, unfor
tunately, in others guilty parties hare escap
ed, not through the want of sufficient evi
dence to warrant a conviction, but in conse
quence of the provisions of limitation in the
existing laws.
Front tbo nature of these claims, (ho re
moteness of tho tribunals to pass upon them,
and tho mode iu which tho proof is, of neces
sity, furnished, temptations to cringe have
been greatly stimulated by the obvious dif
Acuities of detection. The defects in (ho
law upon this subject nro no apparent, and
so fatal to the ends of justice, that your
early action relating to it is most desirable.
During tho last fiscal year, 11,810,411 acres
of tho public lands have boon surveyed, and
10,008,801 acres brought Into market.—
Within tho satoo period, tho sales by public
purchase and private entry tq 1,-
088,403 acres; located under military boun
ty land warrants, 0,142,8(10 acres; located
under other certificates, 0,427' acres; ceded
to the State as swamp lands, 10,084,258
acres; selected for railroad ami other ob
jects, uudor acts of Congress 1,427,437
acres.
The total amount of land disposed of
within tho fiaool year, 20,018.90- acres;
which ia an incrouso in quantity sold, and
located under laud warrants nod grants, of
12,281,618 acres over tho fiscal year imme
diately preceding. Tho quantity of land
sold during tho second and third quarters of
1862, was 08-1,451 acres. ■ The amount re
ceived therefor was $052,087. Tho quanti
ty sold tho second at>d third quarters of tho
year 1858, was 1,009,919 acres; and t|>o.
amount received therefor, $2,220,870,
Tho whole number of land warrants Issued
under existing lavs, prior to 80th September
lost, was two hunured and oixty-alx thous
and and forty-two; of which thpro were
outstanding, at that date,-sixty-six thousand
nine hundred'and forty-seven. The quanti
ty of land required to satisfy theso outstand
ing warrants, is four million apven hundred
and seventy-eight t(ioifaaml onohmW*°da«vl
twenty acres.
Worrapls hayo been Issued to 80lh of fjop- 1
temper last, under tho aot 11th
for twlvo mllljon eight hundred I
jmd flovopty-iiiqo thousand two hundred and
eighty gores, .under. nets of September 28, f
1850, ond March 22,1852,'ca11ing for twelve
million fiyo hundred and tjionpand ,thrpo|
hundred and sixty nprps ; pipkin# a {pjat of j
twbntv-flyemilllon tjireo hundred find eighty;
four thousand six hundred and forty acres. I
It Is believed that experience has verified
, tho wisdom and justice of the present .ays-
I tern with regard to tho public domain, in
■ most essential particulars.
Y'oa will perceive, from tbo repirt of the
| Secretary ol the Interior, that opinions, which
, often been expressed in relation to tho
I operation of tho land system, os not being a
source of revenue to tho Federal treasury,
| wore erroneous. The net profits from tho
( saloof tho public lands to June 80, 1858,
( amounted to tho sura of fifty-tbre.: million
I two hundred and eighty-nine thousand four
; hundred and sixty-fivo dollars.
I I recommend tbo extension of the land
i system over tho Territories of Utah and New
I Mexico, with such modifications as their pe
culiarities may require.
I Regarding our public domain as ohiefiy
I valuable to provide homes for tbo industrious
I and enterprising, I am not prepared to re
commend any essential change in the land
j system, except by modifications in favor of
I (ho actual settlor, and in extension of tho
, pre-emption principle in certain eases, for
reasons, and on grounds which will bo fully
1 developed in the reports to bo laid before
!you.
Congress, rcpieacnting tbo proprietors of
the territorial domain, and charged especial
ly with power to dispose of territory belong
ing to the United States, has, for a long
course of years, beginning with tbo adminis
tration of Mr. Jefferson, czeroisrd tbo pow
er to construct roads within tho territories;
and there are so many ond obvious distinct
ions between this exercise of power and that
of making roads within the Slates, that tho
former lias neverbeen ocnsldcrcd subject to!
snob objections as apply to tho latter, and
such may now be considered tbc settled con
struction of tbo power of tho Federal Gov
ernment upon tho subject.
Numerous applications have been, and no
doubt will continue to be, made for grants of
land, in aid of the construction of railways.
It is not believed to bo within tho intent and
meaning of tho constitution, that tho power
to dispose of (ho public domain, should bo|
used other than might bo expected from a
prudent proprietor, and, therefore, thnl|
grants of lands to aid in tho construction of,
roads should be restricted to eases, where it
could bo far the Interest of a proprietor, un
der like circumstances, thus to contribute to
tbo construction of these works.
For tho practical operation of such grant?
thns far, in advancing tbc interests of the
States ia which tbo works are located, and at
tho some time tho substantia) interests of all
tbo other States, by enhancing the value and
promoting tho rapid sale of tho public do
main, I refer you to tho report of tbo Secre
tary of tho Interior. A careful examination,
however, will show that this experience is
the result of a just discrimination, ond will
bo far from offording encouragement to a
reckless or indiscriminate extension of tho
principle. ,
1 commedd to your favorable considera
tion tho men of genius of our country, who,
by*tholr inventions and discoveries In science
end-art, havo contributed largely to tbo im
provements of tho ago, without, in many
instances, securing for themselves anything
like an adequate reward. For many inter-
esting details upon this subject, I refer you
to the appropriate.reports, and especially
arge updn your early attention Ihe apparent
ly but rcally important, modifications
of bxletiog laws tbereiD.jiuggestod.
. Th? liberal spirit which has soTobg'inhfk-'
cd the notion of Congress in relation (o : tho
District of Columbia will, I havo no doubt,
continue to bo manifested.
I Tbo erection of an asylum for (ho insano i
of the District of Columbia, and of the army
and navy of tho United Slatcfi, hnS been
somewhat retorted, by the great demand for
materials aod labor during the post summer;
but full preparations for the reception of pa
tients, before the return of another winter,
is anticipated; and there is the best Reason
to believe, from tho plan and contemplated
arrangements which have been devised, with
tho experience furnished within tbc last few
years in relation to the nature and treatment
of the disease, that it will prove an asylum
indeed to this most helpless ami oflliolod
class of sufferers, aod stand ns a noble mon
ununi of wisdom and mercy.
Under tbo acts of Congress of August 31,
1852, and of March 3, 1863, designed to se
cure for the cities of Washington and George
town an abundant supply ot good and whole
some water, it bvaama my duly to examine
tho report and plans of tbo engineer who had
obnrgo of tbo surveys under (bo act first
named. Tho best, if not tbo only plan, cal
culated to secure permanently tbo object
sought was that which contemplates taking
tbo water from tbo Groat Falls of (ho Poto
mac, and consequently, 1 gave It my ap
proval.
For tbc progress and present condition of
(bis Important work, and for us demands, so
far os appropriations nro concerned, I refer
you to tbo report of the Secretary of War.
Tbo present judicial system of dm United
States lias now been in operation for so long
a period of timo, and has. In its general the
ory and much of its details, become so fnm
lliur to tho country, and acquired so entirely
the public confidence, that if modified In any
respect, it should be only in those particulars
which may adapt it to tbo increased extent,
population, and legal business of the United
8 tales.
1 Iu tliia ro'nlion, tho orgnnizal on of tho
courts is now confessedly inadequate to tho
- duties to bo performed by them; In oonso
i qucnco of which the States of Florida, Wis
consin, lowa, Texas oud California, and dis
tricts of other States, arc in effect excluded
I from tbo full benefits of tbo general system,
! by (ho functions of (he circuit court being
devolved bn tho district Judges in all of those
States or parts of States,
Tho spirit of tbo constitution and a duo
regard to justice require (bat all (be
Stales of the Union should bo placed on tbo
same footing in regard to tbo judicial tribu
nals. I therefore commend to youroonsldo
’ ration this important subject, which, in my
judgment, demands tho speedy action of Con
gross. I will present to you, if deemed de
sirable, o plan, which I am prepared to rec
ommend for tho onlargmont and modification
of the present judicial system.
Tbo qct of Congress establishing tho Smith*
goqjan Institution provided (hat tbo Presi
dent of tbo United Slates, opt| other persons
(heroin designated should constitute an ’acs
tabllshrouut by that nakno, and that tbo mom- ,
bora should bold stated and special mootings i
for tbo supervision of tbo affairs of that la- -
qtitution. <
' Tbo organisation not having taken place, (
It soomod to mo proper that, It should bo of- (
footed without delay. This has boon done; |
and on occasion was thereby presented for f
inspecting |ho condition of tho Institution, l
I ami appreciating Its sucaosssful progress /
thus far, ond Us high promise of groat and \
(general usefulness. f
9 I ImVo’omlUcd to ask your favorable con- |
sldoratlou for tho estimates qf works of a |
1 local character in twonty T Bqvop of thq thirty-. \
lotto States, 'amounting to on 6 million seven |
bupdrpd oud fifty-four thousand five bund- ,
rod 'dollars, bepouso independently pf tbo i
'grounds which have' so dfton boon' urgo.d
against the application of tho federal rovoniio
for works of this character, inequality with
conqoquentirgastice Is inherent in the nature
of the proposition, and because the plan has
proved entirely inadequate to the accomplish
ment of tbo objects sought.
Tho subject of internal improvements,
claiming alike the interests and good will of
all, has..novortheleBS, been tho basis of much
political disoassioivand has stood os ia deep
graven line of division between the statesmen
or eminent ability and patriotism. Tho rule
of strict construction of all poyrers delegated
by tho Slates to the general government has
arrayed isaelf, from lime to time, against tho
rapid progress of expenditures from tho na—/
tional treasury on the works of a local char- I
actcr within tho States.
Memorable as an epoch in tho history of |
this subject is the messaga of President!
Jackson, of tho 27th of May, 1880, which 1
mot tho system of internal improvements in
its comparative infancy; but so rapid had
been Its growth, that thc.projcoted appropri
ations In that year, for works of this charac
ter, had risen to the alarming amount of
more than one hundred millions of dollars.
Id that message tho President admitted
tho difficulty of bringing bock tho operations
of the government to the construction of the
constitution set up in IfOS, and marked it as
an gdmonitory proof of the necessity of guar
ding that instrument with sleepless vigilance
against the authority of precedents, which
had not tho sanction of its most plainly de
fine I powers.
Our government exists under n written
compactbotwccensovrolgn filates, uniting for
specific objects, and with specific grants to
their general agent. If, then, in tho prog-]
ms of its administration, there havo been
departures from tho terms and intent of the
bdmpnct, it is, and will over bo, proper to
refer back to the fixed standard which our
fathers left us, and to make a stern effort to
conform onr action to It.
It would seem that the feet of a principle
having been resisted from tbo first by many
1 of the wisest and most patriotic men of tho
republic, ond a policy having provoked con
| slant srtifo, without arriving at a conclusion
which can bo regarded as satisfactory to its
| most earnest advocates, should suggest tbo
I inquiry whether there may not bo a plan
likely to be crowned by happier results.
Without perceiving any sound distinction,
or intending to assert any principle so op
posed to improvements needed for the pro
tection of internal commerce, which docs not
equally apply to impovements upon the sea
board for the protection of foreign commerce,
I submit to you, whether it may not bo safe
ly anticipated that, if tbo policy were once
settled against appropriations by tho general
government for local improvements for tho
benefit of commerce, localities requiring ex
penditures would not, by modes and means
clearly legitimate and proper, raise the fund
necessary for such constructions as tho safe
ly or other interests of their commerce might
require.
if that ctm bo regarded os a system, which, 1
In IUo experience of more than thirty years,
has at no time so commands the public
judgment os to give it tbo character of a set*
tied policy, which, though U has produced
some works of conceded Importance, has been
attended with nn'oxpohdituro. quite, dispro
portionate to tliolr toliiC, —and has resulted
In squnndcringlarge sums upon objects Which 1
have answered no ‘ vdluafcle purpose,—the
[lnterests ofontie; Slates - require, 1$ io.bol
I abandoned, unlCsi hopes may be Ihdulgod fori
he future whlch flodno worront ip tbo past.
With ltd nhlidns desire for the completion
of (ho works which arc regarded by all gobd
chitons with Sincere interest, I hsto deemed
h my duly to nek at yutir hands a deliberate
reconsideration of the question, with a hope
that, animated by a desire to promote (ho
permanent and substantial interests of the
country, your wisdom may proto equal to (ho
task ot devising and maturing a plan, which,
applied to this subject,may promise something
bettor limn constant strife, the suspension of
the powers of local enterprise, the caching of
vain hopes, and the disappointment of cher
ished expectations.
In expending the appropriations made by
the last Congress, several eases have arisen
In relation to Works fur the improvement of
In rbors, which involve questions us to the I
right of soil and jurisdiction, and hnvo threat
ened conflict between the authority of (lie
State and general governments. The right
to construct a break-water, jolly, or dam,
would scorn, necessarily, to curry with it the
power to protect and preserve such construc
tions. This can only bo effectually dona by
having jnrisdicliun over the soil, lint no
clause n( the constitution is found, on which
ilo reel (ho claim oftho United Stales to exer
cise jurisdiction over Iho soil of n Stdto, ex
cept lira! conferred by Iho oigth section oftho
I first article of (ho-cuns(i(u(ion. It is, then,
submitted, whether, in alt eases, where' con
structions are to bo erected by (ho general
government, the right of soil should not at
first ho obtained, and legislative provision bo
mado in cover all efleh cases.
For l Up progress rjmdo in llio construbtlon
of roads within the territories, as provided fur
in llio appropriations of the last Conuicas, 1
refer yon 10 llio report of Iho Secretary ol
Wnr.
There is nnfc subject nf a domestic nature, 1
which, from Its intrinsic importance, and the
many interesting questions of future policy
which it invoices, cannot (*ll to receive your
curly attention. 1 allude to llio Means of
communication, by which different ports of
the wide expanse of our country aro to bo
placed in closet connection for purposes bath
of defence and commercial intercourse, and
more especially such as appertain to the com
munication of those great divisions &f llio
Union, \vhicli lio oq tho opposite sides of the
Rocky Mountains.
That (ho government has not boon unmind
ful of this heretofore is apparent from the aid
it hue afforded, through appropriations for
mail facilities and other purposes. Out tho
goncrul subject will now present itself under
nspcctn more Imposing and tnoro purely na
tional, by reason of tho surveys ordered by
Congress, and now in tho pfocess of cample. 1
jian, (or communication by railway across '
tho continent, and Wholly .within the limits! 1
of i|io United States,' I *
The power lo declare war, tn raise and sup
port nrinlen, lo provide and maintain a navy,
and to call forth (ho militia to execute the
lows, suppress insurrections, and repel in
yaslonn, was conferred upon Congress, at
means to provide for the common defence, and
to protect a territory' and n population how
widespread and vastly multiplied. Aa Inci
dental to and indispensable for tho exercise
of this power, it muatpomolimos bo necessary
(o consult military roads and protect har
bors ofrefuge. Td appropriations by Con*
gross fnrsuch objects, no sound bbjoctionoan
bo raided. Hoppity for otir country, its peace,
fnl pqlipy am) rapidly incruaeing population
impose upon ub no urgent necessity for pro.
parstion, and leave but low trackless deserts
between oasailable points and a patriotic
popplo pyer ready pqd gppc;ally able (opto
led 7'l >opo nocespary links, tho enter*
prjee.und energy of our pooploj nrp
and boldly struggling lo supply. All expeyi
once nfllrms that,-wherever private enterprise
Will ayall, it it moat wise for, the' general
governtncnU a leave (0 Miat and individual
f i •• * m
AT $2 60 m iHSBIt
NO. 87.
watchfulness iho location and ex6stftlbn of
all moans of communication.- 'I.
The survoysbafora alluded to wOredeplgned
to ascertain the most practical ana economical
route for a railroad from the river Mississippi
to tho Pacific ocean. Parties ere now lb too
field making explorations, wftoro previous ex
aminations had not supplied {date,
and where there was the best reason Ip, hope
tho object sought might bo fecund. The means
and time being both limited, it li not to bo
expected that all tho accurate knowledge de
sired will bo obtained 1 , but it is hoped that
much and important information will bo
added to the slock previously-ppssesiedl, and
that partial, If hot full reports of the spfveya
ordered will bo received in lime for trenimis*
sion to tho two Houses of Congress, on or
before the Ist Monday in February ae
required by tho act of appropriation. , Tho
magnitude of the enterprise contemplated hie
aroused, and will doubtless continue (p excite
a very general interest! throughout the boon
try. In its political, its commercial,.end. its
military hearings, il has varied, great and
increasing claims, to consideration, . .The
heavy expense, thq great delay, and, at limes,
fatality attending travel cilhor oftho'iilh
mns routes, have demonstrated the advantage
which would result from ioloMerritorial
communication by such safe and rapid oceans
os a railroad would supply.
These difficulties, which have bccnbncoon-
Icrcd in a period ofpdace, would bq
ond still further increased in time of war.—
Bui whilst (ho orobarrism'ciVfs already en
countered, and others under now continences
to bo anticipated, may serve strikingly to
exhibit the Importance of each a work* neither
these, nor all considerations combined can
have an appreciable value, when weighed
against the obligations strictly to inhere to
the Constitution, and faithfully to execute tha
powers 2t confers. Within this limit and to
the extent of tha interest of (ho government
involved, it would seem hath expedient and
proper, if an economical and practicable Toule
shall bo found, to oid, by all constitutional
means, in tho construction of . a road, Which
will unite by speedy transit, tho populations
of tho Pacific and Atlantic States.
To guard against misconception, t( should
be remarked that, although the power to eon.
struct or aid in the construction of a road
within (ho limits of a territory .is pot embar
rassed by (hat question of jurisdidtio/i which
would ariso within tho limits of i Stale,
it Is nevertheless held to bo of doubtful power
andVnoro than doubtful propriety, oven.with
in the limits of a territory for. the general
government to undorloke to administer the
affairs of a railroad; a Canal, or other ktroilar
constructions, ond; therefore, that its connec
tion with a work of this character should be
incidental rather Ikon primary. I will .only
add. at present, that fully appreciating the
magnitude of tho subject, and solicl(pui that
the Atlantic and Pacific shares of the republic
may bo bound together by tnsopieriable ties of
common interest as well as of common fealty
and attachment to the. Union, 1 di
e-1 posed, bo far os my own action is gqricqrned,-
■ to follow the lights nf tho conslttoms/iaiOtf;'
3 pounded ond illustrated by thoseWidse^plfcy
* ions ond expositions constitute tJrej||eOotu^
* of my political faith in regard to‘ thq-j)p#l#i
1 of tho federal government; It
" necessary to say, (hat nd grpndoprjßf JfltdT*
1 prise sod no present argent Inducement pro
-1 mlslng popular favor,will load mo tp disregard
1 those lights,or to depart from that path, which
1 /.experience has proved to be safe, und'whicb
is oow'rediant with- ih* -glovr-o,f?prqsyerily -,
and legitimate constitutional progress. We ’
can afford to want, bnl wo cannot afford to
Overlook the ark 6four eeburity.
It is no part of my pdrposb to give promi
nence to any subject which (day properly be
regarded as sot at rest by the deliberate judg
ment oflhb people. Bul whilat the present Is
bright with promise, and (ho fularo fall of
demand and inducarntmt for tho exorcise of
active intelligence, tho poet can never bo
without useful lessons of admonition and in
struction. If its dangers servo not as beacons,
they will evidently fall to fulfil tho object of
a wise design. When the grave obafl bavo
closed over alt who are ndw endeavoring to
meet the obligations of duly, the year 1850
will bo recurred to as a period filled with
anxious apprehension. A successful war has
just terminated. Peace brought with it a vast
augmentation Of territory, pislurbing ques.
lions arose, beating upon the domestic insli-
lotions of one portion of the confederacy, and
involving tho constitutional rights of the
States. Bui notwithstanding differences of
j opinion and sentiment, which then existed in
{ fetation to details and specific provision?, the
acqoiosccnce of distinguished citizens, whoso
I devotion to tho Union can neve/ be doubled,
I has given renewed vigor to our Institutions,
i and restored a sense of repose ant) security to
! the public mind throughout tho ctmfoduraoy.
That this repose is to suffer no shook du
ring mo odlclol term, if I hate porter (o avert
It, those who placed mo hero may be assured.
Tho wisdom of men who knew what Indepen
dence cost—who had pul ail al stake upon
tho issue of the revolutionary straggle—dis
posed nftlio subject to which I refer. In the
I only way consistent with the union of these
\ States, and with the march of power and proa
(polity which has made us what wo are. Il
is a significant fact, (hat from the adoption of
llio constitution until the ofllcors-and soldiers
of the revolution had passed to their graves,
or, through (lie infirmities of ago and wounds,
had ceased to participate actively inpublio
affairs, (hero was not merely ft quiet acqui
escence (n. but a prompt vindication of, the
constitutional rights of llio States.
The reserved powers wore scrupulously re
spected. No statesman pul forth (ho narrow
views nfcauists (0 justify Inforonoo and agi.
Canon, but the spirit uf tho compact was re
garded as sacred in the eye of honor, and
indispensable for ll|o great experiment of civil
I liberty, which, environed hy Inherent didlcnl
I tics, wos yet borne forward in apparent streak
poss hy a power superior to nil obstacles.—
There is no condemnation which tho vojco of
freedom will not pronounce upon us, phould
wo prnto faithless to this groat trust.' Whllo
men Inhabiting different parts of this vast
continent can no more bo expected to hold
tho same opinions, or entertain the same sen
timents, limn every variety of toll
can bo canceled lo furnish the same agricul
tural products, they can unite ln‘a corpmon
object and eustalq common principles essen
tial to thq maintenance of that- qbleot. The
gallon! men of the South and tho North could
alqnd together during (ho atrugglp of tho
Revolution S they could aland together in «
more tryiug period which succeeded tho,clan
gor of arma.
Aa there oriilod valor win adequate to all
the trials of the' camp and dangers ' of (ho
field, so their united wisdom proved - equal to
tho greater task uf founding, upon a deep and
broad basis, Institutions, which has been
our privilege to enjoy, and will eVor bo our
most sacred duty to sustain. It is but tho
feeble expression of a faifh strong and univer
sal to say that their sons, whoso blood mio
’glod so often upon the same field, doririg the
wqr of 1613, nnd'who Imvp more tobenlly
bnrnoin triumph the flag of |Ro country upon
a foreign soil, will'novcr permit ollopalfon of
feeling* to awaken' tho power of irlelf hniled
efTurls, nor Internal dissent Jons idipaValyio
Contfuded on fourth page. ' >